Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, or more colloquially Lou Gherig's Disease is a progressive neurological disorder which eventually robs the body of its ability to control its muscles. During this period of time, the mental faculties of the patient remain intact. It can strike at any time during adulthood and, once diagnosed, it is progressive and eventually fatal. During this period of time, the patient eventually becomes fully paralyzed to the point of no longer being able to talk in many cases, but in all cases to the point of quadriplegia.